Two New Chandler BBQ Spots: Rudy's and Can't Stop Smokin'

[Mark]

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2012/04/two_new_chandler_bbq_spots_ope.php

[Wood Chuck]

Go by Rudy's couple times a week and there is a line outside the door around 11-3 and 5-?, times are estimates. If you plan on going to try it out be prepared for a long wait.

[Mark]

Mebbe Can't Stop Smokin' unfortunate location will become a blessing. They can play wingman, feeding off the rejects.

[rgomez99 (Glazed and Confused in Gilbert)]

I tried Rudy's the other day and I did not think it was that great. The sausage and brisket were good, but the pork ribs and pulled pork were not that great. They lack flavor and rely on their sause to give it flavor. JMO

[Bam Bam]

Im with you Rob.  Stick to the Brisket and Sausage.  Pork is horrible

[CATXAZ]

I've eaten at the Rudy's in Spring TX and it was way better than the one here. I had the moist Brisket and the bark was so burnt in spots I couldn't chew it. The sausage was much better though. It may just take some time for them to get in the groove. I look forward to trying Cant Stop Smokin

[NOVYQUE]

Been to Rudy's a few times now and have been working my way through the menu.  Over all, they are not too bad.  They still have some work to do and I just hope that they work out the kinks.  New restaurant, high volume, always going to have some issues.  It's just can they work through them and improve?  I certainly hope so.

Here is my breakdown on the different item's that I have tried so far:
- Brisket (lean cut) was good.  Cut right, had some flavor (including smoke), over all... I would order it again. 
- Pulled pork was more like mush pork (sandwich).  Not sure what they did to it or added to it, but it was two thumbs down for me. 
- Chicken is inconsistent.  The first batch I tried was dry and very chewy.  They brought me a replacement and that was juicy and tender.  Over all flavor is not too bad.
- Ribs were average (both spare and baby).  They are not high on my list to reorder.  Still looking for good ribs in the valley.
- Turkey is very good, but once again there is some inconsistency there.  First time it was juicy and tender, second time was a bit drier, but still had great flavor.
- Sausage links are really good.  I have not tried their jalapeno sausage yet.
- Cream corn was good, but no where near as good  as Texas BBQ House.
- Cole Slaw is pretty good.
- Breakfast tacos are pretty good.

If you plan on going there for lunch or dinner, plan ahead and phone in your order.  That way, you don't have to wait in line for 20 - 30 mins.

[BBQCZAR]

I know 2 people that have been to Ruds so far and both said it was terrible,pork was aweful,brisket tough and burnt.The only thing they said was ok was the sausage,they will be gone in under a year I bet.

[azcyclone]

I have eaten at both joints as our corporate office is about 2 blocks away.  Here is what I found....

Rudy's place is bigger but I found even the moist brisket kind of dry.  I went for lunch and waited in line for a little while and was pretty disappointed in the quality of food.  Their  bbq sause (their spelling) tastes like ketchup and black pepper without any real flavor.  The only thing I liked there was the banana pudding. Odds are I won't be going back.

Now for Can't Stop Smokin.  I actually liked this place.  The staff was very friendly and they had a great selection.  I had the sliced brisket, potatoes and green beans.  It was priced better than Rudy's and the staff actually seemed to care if you enjoyed the visit. 

I'm really partial to the Texas BBQ house, but for the south east valley, I'd take Can't Stop Smokin.

 

[NOVYQUE]

TC...I am right there with you.  I am starting to go to Can't Stop Smoking a little more these days.  Overall, I am finding their food to be better, both in taste and quality.  I was not a big fan of the brisket at Can't Stop Smokin', but their turkey made up for it.  I still think Texas BBQ House has the edge on brisket (I gotta get back there soon and/or go to their new Scottsdale location).  Can't Stop Smokin' is the only place that I have seen that serves beef ribs.  Still gotta try those.  I had high hopes for Rudy's, but have not been overly impressed with them lately (very inconsistent) .  As for Can't Stop Smokin', I had my reservations since they were a buffet style setup.  However, they have done a great job and proved me wrong.  They really do listen to customer feedback and try to adapt as needed.  I give them a few more weeks and you are going to see a steady product coming from there based on the feedback that their customers are giving them.  If you get a chance, I would say go and try them out.  I got a three meat combo, with 2 sides and an ice tea for $10 and some change.  When you are done, make sure to find Nick (very nice guy) and tell him what you thought.  He is the GM there and is always wanting to hear the feedback (good and bad).

[txbbq]

TC...I am right there with you.  I am starting to go to Can't Stop Smoking a little more these days.  Overall, I am finding their food to be better, both in taste and quality.  I was not a big fan of the brisket at Can't Stop Smokin', but their turkey made up for it.  I still think Texas BBQ House has the edge on brisket (I gotta get back there soon and/or go to their new Scottsdale location).  Can't Stop Smokin' is the only place that I have seen that serves beef ribs.  Still gotta try those.  I had high hopes for Rudy's, but have not been overly impressed with them lately (very inconsistent) .  As for Can't Stop Smokin', I had my reservations since they were a buffet style setup.  However, they have done a great job and proved me wrong.  They really do listen to customer feedback and try to adapt as needed.  I give them a few more weeks and you are going to see a steady product coming from there based on the feedback that their customers are giving them.  If you get a chance, I would say go and try them out.  I got a three meat combo, with 2 sides and an ice tea for $10 and some change.  When you are done, make sure to find Nick (very nice guy) and tell him what you thought.  He is the GM there and is always wanting to hear the feedback (good and bad).

Yes James you must get out to the new Scottsdale store I have been waiting to see you LOL>

[TaxManBBQ]

This will be a very entertaining "this town aint big enough for the both of us" battle to watch.  I want to know who secured their lease first, and whose attorney didnt do their homework on the second.
My office is just a few miles away, so I have done my pepsi challenge as well. Ordered the same at both places (brisket and st louis ribs, because I KNOW neither can compare to MY pulled pork, so its not fair to compare) and as far as food and sauce quality goes, Cant Stop Smokin' wins, despite the off-the-shelf style BBQ sauce.  It still beats the amateur, uninspired sauce at Rudy's.  I think Cant Stop Smokin' needs a few more months in business to figure out how to run a restaurant though.  Staff could not have been more confused and there are still a bunch of beverage boxes on the ground as of 5/10/12.
Rudy's does have a much better layout and better line management.  I appreciate the clearly visible menu, self-serve drink tubs (so you can drink in line), alcohol selection (YAY Devil's Ale!!!), and self serve side dishes from the fridge.

[akurasch]

Went to Can't Stop Smokin' today.  You can make a decent meal if you stick to the sausage, corn, and pie.  Other than that, the rest had little left to be desired.  With great BBQ, the meat has to stand on its own and none of the brisket, pulled pork, or ribs achieved that.  One bite of each had me pouring BBQ sauce all over each.  Not a good sign.  The meats lacked any semblance of smoke.  The mac and cheese had an odd flavor to it that I could not quite put my finger on.  Jalapeno corn bread was just ok.

[Laveen-BBQ]

Been to Rudys twice now.  I probably won't be back since Rudys is a poor version of Texas BBQ House.  Their moist BBQ brisket was dry with a little more smoke then Texas.  The ribs are nowhere near as good as Texas.  And lastly Rudys is a chain which I tend to stay away from unless the food is spectacular.

Next up Can't Stop Smokin.

[mikmuk]

As an ex Texan I was pleased to have a Rudy's in my backyard. Rudy's is good inexpensive BBQ. Not anything like famous Blacks BBQ in Lockhart TX but good. Pecan wood smoked. Brisket is good, Turkey real good, sausage real good. Ribs ok.
Now Can't stop smokin (across the street). I want to like this place out of New Mexico as I prefer underdogs but with Rudys, Famous Daves and CSS within 5 miles apart CSS may be the odd man out. They have jerky and homemade pies which neither Fam Daves or Rudys does not offer. I met a CSS cook at Dunkin Donuts that encouraged me to go and I did. Dry brisket, way dry Carnita, and ok pork ribs. The mac n cheese was great. I will try again at a differnt time. I thought 11:30 on Monday morning would be a good option.